Founded in 1972 Berney represents the artistry that watches can accomplish. Each piece is a triumph of form and function with a finishing quality that is tough to come by. They are based in the haven of traditional watchmaking, the Valee de Joux Canton Vaud in Switzerland. For many people, owning a Berney watch is more than just owning a timepiece; it's a connection to the past and a symbol of Swiss craftsmanship at its finest. These are watches for collectors, enthusiasts, and those that value craftsmanship above all else. It isn’t just their designs and attention to detail that sets them apart though. They are also commitment to only using the best quality materials and movements.

Their commitment to the purity of watchmaking extends to the movements they use. Each watch is powered by an incredible vintage Valjoux movement. These movements are inseparable from the history of watchmaking and the building blocks of the modern mechanical watch world. These movements are even more special as they are hand decorated and made into even more special works of art. I will summarise the history of the movements used later but for now I think it is important to focus on the dials. They are true expressions of luxury and traditional watchmaking. Each dial is cleanly designed with crisp markers and expertly crafted sub dials. Each dial is perfectly balanced and highly legible. Now onto the movements.

Valjoux is a legendary Swiss watchmaker that has been in operation since the late 19th century. The company was founded in 1901 in the town of Les Bioux, located in the Swiss Jura Mountains. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality watch movements in particular chronographs.

In the early years, Valjoux produced a variety of watch movements, including pocket watch movements and alarm clock movements. They were one of the first to produce a reliable wristwatch chronograph movement, which was a significant innovation in the watchmaking industry at the time.

During the mid-20th century, Valjoux became known for producing some of the most iconic watch movements in history. The Valjoux 72, which was introduced in the 1930s, was used in a variety of high-end watches, until it was replaced with the Valjoux 88, which was introduced in the late 1940s.

Over the years, Valjoux has undergone a number of changes. In the 1960s, the company was acquired by ETA, which is now a subsidiary of the Swatch Group. Today, Valjoux is known as ETA Valjoux, and it continues to produce some of the most innovative and iconic watch movements in the world.

Valjoux's reputation for producing high-quality watch movements has made it one of the most respected and sought-after watchmakers in the world. Collectors and enthusiasts prize watches that feature Valjoux movements, and the company's legacy will continue to influence the watchmaking industry for years to come. In particular the Valjoux 88 movement is sought after even today.

The Valjoux 88 was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the popular Valjoux 72. The 88 featured a faster frequency and a longer power reserve, which made it more reliable and accurate. The movement was also easier to manufacture, which made it more cost-effective for watchmakers.

One of the reasons why the Valjoux 88 was so popular among watchmakers was its versatility. The movement could be used in a variety of watches, from dress watches to sports watches. This made it a go-to choice for watchmakers who were looking for a reliable and accurate movement that could be used in a variety of applications.

Over the years, the Valjoux 88 underwent a number of modifications and improvements. The movement was used in a variety of iconic watches, from brands like Baume & Mercier, Eberhard & Co., Heuer, Kelek, Longines, Lucien Picard, Paul Picot, Ulysse Nardin, and even more. These watches helped to cement the reputation of the Valjoux 88 as one of the best watch movements ever made.

Today, the Valjoux 88 is highly sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts. Watches that feature the movement are highly prized and often fetch premium prices at auction. The movement has become a symbol of Swiss watchmaking excellence and is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the watchmakers who created it.

The Valjoux 88 is a legendary watch movement that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers and is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. The movement will continue to be a symbol of Swiss watchmaking excellence for generations to come.

If you are in the market for the dress watch to end all dress watches than you can’t go wrong with a Berney. They are robust, beautiful and powered by the most respected movements that have ever been built. We got hands on experience with their catalogue at Watches and Wonders and were simply blown away. If you have any questions please get in touch.